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Sept. 6, 2017
Contact: Matt Lincoln, 517-284-6111
DNR seeks public input on draft management plan for Ionia State Recreation Area
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on the new draft "phase 2" general management plan for Ionia State Recreation Area, in Ionia County. One such opportunity for feedback is a public meeting Tuesday, Sept. 19, 6 to 8 p.m. at Ionia High School, 250 E. Tuttle Road, in Ionia. The meeting will take place in the high school's cafeteria (access via door B2).
The draft general management plan defines a long-range (10- to 20-year) planning and management strategy that will assist the DNR Parks and Recreation Division in meeting its responsibilities to 1) protect and preserve the site’s natural and cultural resources, and 2) provide access to land- and water-based public recreation and educational opportunities. The draft plan and additional information on the DNR’s management plan process can be found at www.michigan.gov/parkmanagementplans.
The 4,418-acre Ionia State Recreation Area is located approximately 35 miles from both Lansing and Grand Rapids. The park provides a wide range of recreation activities, including camping, disc golfing, fishing, hiking, biking, hunting and equestrian trail riding. The park is home to a designated hunting dog field trial area, a campground, modern cabins, a swimming beach on Sessions Lake, Tibbets Creek, the Grand River and natural environments that are home to rare plants and animals. Jump Island, an inflatable aqua park, provides a unique family experience during the summer months.
The public meeting will begin with a short presentation of the draft plan, but members of the public are welcome to attend at any time during the two-hour period to review the planning material, provide comments and talk to DNR staff. Comments also can be made through Sept. 25 via email to Matt Lincoln at lincolnm@michigan.gov.
For more information about the public meeting or the phase 2 general management plan, contact Matt Lincoln at 517-284-6111 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) or via email at lincolnm@michigan.gov. Persons with disabilities who need accommodations for the meetings should contact Lincoln at least five business days before the meeting.
/Note to editors: Ionia State Recreation Area's nearly 4,500 acres include a beach, forested trails, a dog trial area, a campground, a designated hunting area and other natural areas that provide opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in mid-Michigan./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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